INTERNATIONAL

Film Review: La Otra Conquista 55
lower it into his cell with ropes, he falls to his death. In the last scene, Friar Diego discovers
Tomás’ dead body alongside the statute, looks up at the rising sun and, as if praying to
it, says, “Your ways are truly a mystery, God of all.”
The film addresses a number issues relevant for the courses in which it is shown.
First, it deepens our understanding of the cultural hybridization and religious syncretism
that took place, not only in Mexico as depicted in this film, but also in the Caribbean
region, Central America, and South America. Since the film’s events are depicted from
the perspective of Topiltzin, we come to understand the deep-rooted customs and beliefs
of the Aztec peoples and the profound social, religious and psychological transformations
in indigenous life brought about by the colonization of the New World. Second, the film’s
respectful portrayal of the strength of the Aztec people’s belief in their deities recognizes
those beliefs as just as valid as other belief systems. Finally, the film portrays core Aztec
cultural values and customs as like those of other cultures. This point is made when Topiltzin
says to Friar Diego “You and I share the same belief, Friar Diego even though we
come from different worlds.”
The Other Conquest allows students to think critically about the customs,
traditions, and religions of indigenous cultures and to apply theoretical concepts like
hybridity and syncretism to questions such as: Is Topiltzin’s conversion real? Was Friar
Diego converted to the Aztec religious beliefs? What is the symbolic meaning of Tomás’
death? Who were more barbarous: the Spaniards or the Aztecs? Was the Aztec culture
as advanced as the Spanish culture? Furthermore, students are able to comprehend the
importance of recording historical and cultural events, as many indigenous peoples did in
the form of painted books or codices. Additionally, since the film was shot in many historical
sites in Mexico, students are able to visualize many locations that are mentioned in
course readings.
Two important points should be noted in terms of the suitability of The Other
Conquest for classroom use. Perhaps true to historical fact, the film has bloody scenes
depicting Aztec human sacrifice. Secondly, it shows very explicit nudity. Some spectators
may find either or both of these offensive. However, overall The Other Conquest is an
effective teaching tool that aids students in thinking critically about the cultural complexities
and controversies related to the conquest of the New World.